Canada region
Ontario
Ontario supposedly derives from an Iroquoian word meaning “shimmering” or “glittering lake.” However, there is more than one water feature that makes up this province. Bordered by Lake Ontario and Lake Erie to the southeast, Lake Huron to the south, Lake…
- 0cruises call
- 1port
At a glance
Cruiseable lists 1 port under Ontario, in the Canada region region. No cruise currently on sale calls there.
Destination guide
Ontario travel guide: What to do & see
Ontario supposedly derives from an Iroquoian word meaning “shimmering” or “glittering lake.” Bordered by Lake Ontario and Lake Erie to the southeast, Lake Huron to the south, Lake Superior to the southwest and Hudson Bay to the north, the Canadian province of Ontario is framed by numerous crystal clear waterways, including almost countless smaller inland lakes.
Niagara Falls dominates as Ontario’s premier water feature, but there is plenty of other aquatic adventure to be discovered by the intrepid traveler. Nearly 5,000 miles of interlocking canoe trail wait to be navigated in the area of Lake Temagami. Waterfalls abound in Hamilton while walleye wait for fishermen and around the Bruce Peninsula, and divers can find numerous coves and shipwrecks to explore. Add this to the major city attractions of Toronto and Ottowa, and Ontario has plenty to offer both the adventurous and cosmopolitan traveler.
Cruise ships in the region are chiefly found along the St. Lawrence River, with more sailings taking place in the eastern provinces of Quebec, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and occasionally Labrador.
Read the full guide
Things to do and see
Niagara Falls
This famous grouping of three waterfalls has been the stuff of legends. Located on the border of the United States and Canada, this landmark is best viewed on the Ontario side of the falls, which attracts millions of tourists on a yearly basis. There are numerous observation towers and attractions that have been built up around this natural wonder, so don't be afraid to take a peek.
Toronto
The largest city in Canada, Toronto features a variety of museums, shopping, entertainment and more. It's a great walking and biking city to visit and explore, and whether you're into the numerous sports teams in the city or the different cuisines the city has to offer, this multicultural epicenter of Canada, and in turn Ontario, is sure to please almost everyone.
Ottawa
The capital city of Canada, Ottawa owes a lot of its character to its history with the British empire, as Queen Victoria established Ottawa in 1857 as the country's capital. Parliament Hill is a major attraction, as is its regular Changing of the Guard at 9 a.m. every day. However, there are numerous museums all about the history of Canada and dealing with its government.
Wildlife viewing
Due to Ontario's natural beauty, this province is also home to plenty of wildlife. If you love bird watching, head to Pelee Island, Canada’s southernmost point. Moose, caribou, bears, wolves other northern wildlife are abundant at the enormous Chapleau Crown Game Preserve and Algonquin Provincial Park. Many places in Ontario offer camping opportunities, so don't feel afraid to commune with nature while in the province.
Best bets for dining
Whatever type of food you're looking for, be it fast food or fine French, Ontario is sure to have it available, particularly in bigger cities like Toronto or Ottowa. However, Ontario is known just as much for its beers and has a huge variety of microbreweries and ales that you'll never find in the United States. It is also growing in its production of ice wines, or dessert wines from grapes that have been left frozen on the vine.
Best time to go
Summer months are beautiful throughout Ontario, with the southern part hot and humid, although not overwhelming. In the north, summers are cool and sometimes see sudden, dramatic temperature changes in all seasons. However, summers throughout Ontario are short and can quickly give way to winter snows.
When you arrive
Docking information
The main port in Ontario is located in Toronto at the Port of Toronto.
Getting around
Toronto is a major international airport that travels into Ontario, but there are also multiple international airports in southern Ontario that make air travel into the province convenient; however, access to them is limited outside of major cities. The same can be said for rail travel, as in the cities there is a large network but in the outskirts it is limited — though if you have the time, a scenic train ride through northern Ontario is a treat worth indulging in. Driving around Ontario is not a bad option, but the roads can get treacherous during the winter months.
Need to know
Passport: All United States citizens will need a valid passport on entry.
Language: English predominantly, but some areas of the province speak French, particularly in the areas closer to Quebec.
Currency: The Canadian dollar, but the U.S. dollar is also accepted.
Safety: Ontario is considered safe. However, as in all major metropolitan areas, care should be taken not to flash money and to stay in well-lit areas at night.
Your take
Have you been to Galveston? What was the highlight? Have any tips or photos? Please share.
Help improve this article! See anything wrong? What did we overlook? Be a co-creator!
Photos of Ontario
A pretty waterfall at Webster's Falls on the Niagara Escarpment in Dundas, Ontario. A country road in Bradford, south-central Ontario, Canada. 
Hilton Falls in Milton, Ontario. 
Beaverdams Creek, just below DeCew falls in St. Catharines, Ontario. 
A grey crowned crane in Hamilton, Ontario. 
The Toronto skyline. 
The illuminated CN Tower in Toronto at night. It's the world's tallest building and free-standing structure.
No cruise on sale this week calls at Ontario. Tell us when you want to go and we will find the closest itinerary.
Ports
Ports in Ontario
- Ontario
Numbers are current cruises calling at each port.
Want to see Ontario from the water?
Tell us your dates and who is coming. Our partner travel agency replies with the itineraries that call there.